Last year as I took a joy ride through Vermont while Chris was out riding his bike, I came across this old car in front of this old garage. I hit the skids and couldn't help but stop. I looked in the back seat and received two sets of eye rolls from my beautiful kids. I armed myself with my camera half expecting a junk yard dog to come charging out to chase me onto the roof of my car. Rather, I was pleasantly surprised by this gentleman. After seeing way too many episodes of American pickers, I have learned that the best thing about these impromptu stops are the people you meet along the way. This man had spent his entire lifetime at Hartman's Wheel Alignment. His father had opened the place back in the 1940's. He welcomed me and the kids into his shop where we saw the miracle of how time has stood still in this place. He had original soda coolers and a cash register that had big numbers sticking out like typewriter keys. I smiled knowing that this little encounter was like finding gold for a sentimental fool like me. I left after 45 minutes with stories of yesteryear swirling in my head. As I pulled out of the driveway, I looked back at the kids and the eye-roll had disappeared. Somehow the kids got it and they too felt content for some reason. Moral of the story, if something catches your eye as your driving along, make the stop, you never know what treasures await.
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